Maintaining self-sustaining bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) andlargemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) populations as a method of lowinput aquaculture

摘要

Maintaining self sustaining bluegill and largemouth bass populations provides a viable, low cost method of producing fish in waters that are not suitable for more intensive aquaculture production. Swingle (1950) reported an average fish yield of 364 kg/ha recovered from 29 drained ponds that contained balanced bluegill and largemouth bass populations. Where feasible, the addition of agricultural limestone, fertilizer, supplemental feeding and aeration may increase fish production to 500 kg/ha, or more. Fish may be harvested by traditional angling methods, seining, netting, trapping or by trot line, where local laws permit. Caution should be used to avoid the overharvest of largemouth bass, particularly when seining small ponds. The removal of too many largemouth bass could create an unbalanced fish population. Physical characteristics, such as large or deep ponds can limit fish harvest efficiency. Harvest method and its associated labor can influence fish marketing strategy and determine profitability.